What to Eat in Copenhagen

Like much of “foodie” America, I was introduced to Copenhagen by Anthony Bourdain, when he visited Rene Redzepi’s noma, the two-Michelin-starred, multiple-years-running Best Restaurant in the World. Unfortunately (or fortunately for our wallets, ha!), noma was closed when we visited. Luckily, we were able to score reservations at Restaurant Barr (in the old Noma space) and Relae, (which was opened by two Noma alums). Our meal at Barr was favorite of the trip, and we ate lots of great food on our trip. Here, a rundown of the best places we ate in Copenhagen – broken down into fast/casual and fancy.

Casual & Quick Bites

Brus – Great bar food and all kinds of beer on tap (Brus is a working brewery). Try the fermented potato fries and the Korean chicken. Mmm.

Restaurant Karla – Traditional Danish food. On our first night we were exhausted from a day of traveling and just wanted to eat somewhere low-key. Our hotel suggested Restaurant Karla, a traditional Danish restaurant a few minutes’ walk from the Copenhagen Marriott where we stayed. I started with a potato-leek soup and had a breaded veal with fried potatoes and peas for my main, and my husband had the roast pork with gravy. The food was passable but really expensive for what looked like diner food. Total bill: 696 dkk (about $105) for soup, bread, 2 entrees, and 2 beers. Restaurant Karla, Dantes Plads I, 1556 København V, Denmark.

Grod – all kinds of porridge/jook/congee. There are locations all over town. Try the chicken congee (pictured in the header photo). Jægersborggade 50, kld. tv., 2200 København N, Denmark.

Hija de Sanchez – Yummy, casual tacos by a Noma alum. This food stand is outside the Torvehallerne, which is a must-stop for any foodie anyway. We stopped here after eating at Relae because I was still hungry. 2 tacos + a Dos Equis – 125dkk (about $20). Hija de Sanchez, Tiendita Torvehallerne Rømersgade 18, 1362 København K., Denmark.

Slurp Ramen Joint – Hot noodle soup is the perfect antidote to Copenhagen’s chilly weather. The head chef, Philip Inreiter, is a noma (and Relae) alum. They serve four varieties (salt, shoyu, veggie, and miso) — but when we went at around 2pm they were only serving Shoyu. It was yum, and Jules loved the noodles too. 140dkk per bowl (about $20). Slurp Ramen Joint, Nansensgade 90, 1366 København, Denmark.

St. Peders Bageri – Historic shop selling danish and other assorted pastries.

Tivoli Gardens Food Hall – for “fast gourmet” food. We had a chicken leg with fries from Chicks by Chicks for 184dkk and a really great vegetarian falaffel plate from Glo for 89dkk

Meals for When You’re Feelin’ Fancy

Restaurant Barr – this was our best meal in Copenhagen. We were super worried about taking a toddler to such a nice restaurant, but the staff was just so kind to Jules and every bite was outstanding. 2 apps, 2 entrees, dessert, and drinks by the glass were 1064 dkk (about $160). Restaurant Barr, Strandgade 93, 1401 København, Denmark.

Relae. This one is on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and has a Michelin star, so our expectations were high. It was inventive, vegetable-based, and overall disappointing. Two prix fixe menus + a bottle of natural wine – 1545 dkk (about $240). Relae, Jægersborggade 41, 2200 København, Denmark

Other Food Recommendations

Foods of Copenhagen Tours – We did the Copenhagen delicacy tour which I wrote about here and highly recommend, and they also offer combo food/biking tours for the adventurous.

Kebabistan – Delicious kebabs and shawarma for takeaway (or to eat on the bench outside). Istegade 105, 1605 Kobenhavn V, Denmark

Noma – Refshalevej 96, 1432 København K, Denmark

Hot Dogs – They’re everywhere, they’re cheap, and they are good. Find a stand and try it out! We got this one at Copenhagen Street Food collective.

Tivoli Gardens Food Hall – “Casual gourmet” food stalls, open to the public as well as to Gardens-goers. Read more about our magical visit to Tivoli Gardens here. Tivoli A/S, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark